- Auctions
- The Iconic Sale at Race Retro 2026 - Motorcycles
- 1953 Vincent Series C Rapide 998cc
1953 Vincent Series C Rapide 998cc
Lot Number: 862
1953 Vincent Series C Rapide 998cc
Frame number RC/1/1728, originally sold via Conways of London in December 1952, this is a highly desirable post-war British superbike with an interesting and well-documented history. Purchased by our vendor in February 2019, with just three prior keepers.
- ESTIMATE: £25,000 - £35,000
+ buyer's premium of 15% plus VAT (18% incl VAT)
You can choose to bid in the room, by phone, online or via commission.
LIVE AUCTION: This lot will be auctioned on Sunday 22nd February, 2026 at 11.00am local time at Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh Rd, Coventry, CV8 2LG
-
REG NUMBER
NLU 611
SUMMARY
Frame number RC/1/1728, originally sold via Conways of London in December 1952, this is a highly desirable post-war British superbike with an interesting and well-documented history. Purchased by our vendor in February 2019, with just three prior keepers.
DESCRIPTION
- Few motorcycles command the reverence and admiration afforded to the Vincent Series C Rapide. Produced during the marque’s golden era, it represented the pinnacle of British motorcycle engineering in the early 1950s, combining immense performance with advanced frame design and hand-built quality. Even today, the Rapide remains a benchmark against which other classics are judged.
- Manufactured by Vincent, the Series C Rapide was powered by a 998cc V-twin engine mounted as a stressed member within the frame, delivering effortless high-speed cruising and formidable torque. It was a machine capable of exceeding 100mph in standard form, yet equally renowned for its civility and road manners.
- This particular example carries frame number RC/1/1728 and was originally supplied through Conways of London in December 1952. The V5C records the frame number as F10AB/1/9828, which corresponds to the engine number. The front headstock is stamped RC/1/1728, however it is believed to be RC/1/7885, a number recorded in 2001 with the Vincent Owners Club whilst in previous ownership - this number originates from a Series C Comet originally sold via Indian Sales Corporation in San Francisco, USA, although the exact date at which the UFM was changed is not known — a scenario not uncommon among Vincents, which often evolved during their working lives.
- The motorcycle has had only three prior keepers before being acquired by Robin Haigh in February 2019. Shortly after purchase, the magneto was professionally rebuilt. Since then, the bike has seen little use and has been unused for the past couple of years, meaning careful recommissioning will be required before a return to the road.
- The Rapide is supplied with a desirable leather fuel tank cover and a comprehensive history file containing correspondence, a V5C, and a Vincent Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair book, adding both usability and provenance.
- An evocative and charismatic example of Vincent’s most celebrated road model.
SPECIFICATION
- Lot Number
- 862
- Make
- VINCENT
- Model
- SERIES C RAPIDE
- Registration Number
- NLU 611
- Frame Number
- RC/1/1728 (See text)
- MOT Expiry
- Exempt
GALLERY
SPECIALIST
Rob Hubbard
- Managing Director & Principal Auctioneer
- 07775 511825
- rob@iconicauctioneers.com
For further information regarding this lot please contact Rob.
Email RobTelephone Rob
WhatsApp Rob
Please note all motorcycles must be out of the venue by 2pm on Monday 23 February due to venue restrictions. We will contact buyers after the sale to arrange either collection or transport with Moving Motorcycles.
Uplift by our motorcycle transport partners, Moving Motorcycles back to their storage facility in Northampton. £125 plus VAT. Storage will then be charged at £10 plus VAT per day.
You can obtain a quote online (see link below) or contact them on +44 (0) 1933 448555 for onward transport to you.
GET A QUOTE - click here
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A classic car or motorcycle is a source of great pride and enjoyment but, whether your car or motorcycle is in storage or on the road, you’ll need a specialist insurance policy. We have partnered with Howden Insurance a leading insurance brokers with a team dedicated to classic cars and motorcycles. They cover a vast array of classic and vintage models and only work with insurers who provide a great service and share our passion for the classic motor industry.
For a personal classic car or classic motorcycle quote, visit:
www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/iconic-auctioneers
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